Peace - Luke 19
On this Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus' entrance to Jerusalem. He was greeted by crowds of well-wishers. Many of them truly believed that He was the Messiah (but not the kind of Messiah that was in God's mind). Nevertheless they celebrated Jesus' arrival with great anticipation.
And in the midst of the joy & excitement, something strange occurred. Luke records that Jesus wept as He saw the city of Jerusalem from the hillside. Why? Listen to these words: "If you . . . had only known what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes . . . you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." In the midst of a party, Jesus' heart is focused on the anxiety and uncertainty of the residents of Jerusalem. They would fail to see that which would bring them peace and would in fact, reject Him. The one thing that would make life enjoyable and hopeful was right in their midst and they missed it. His heart broke.
And such is the mindset of God concerning Easter. The one thing that will bring hope and peace and contentment to many of us is right before us and yet, we continue on with life as usual missing it altogether. Everyone around us may be having a parade, but for us, life sucks. If our experience is one of angst and striving, perhaps this Easter will be a moment for us to recognize the One who can give peace. And to experience the fullness of His peace on a daily basis. It is Jesus. "For He Himself is our peace." (Ephesians 2:14)